About Kathy

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How do digital technologies change communication practices? What are the current and emerging tools that a communicator needs to know? And what about HTML5, CSS and Javascript?

Since the mid-1990s, I’ve been exploring these questions (well, back then it was HTML 2 and no CSS) and guiding students through their own exploration. From user experience and usability to analysis of the economics of information (and many points in-between), I’ve practiced in the real world and shared those learnings in the classroom. In turn, my understanding has been informed by the rich experiences of my students.

My primary teaching responsibility from 2003-2013 was in the Master of Communication, Digital Media program at the University of Washington. However, I also teach undergraduate classes and in three certificate programs. I also sponsor interns and advise students (graduate and undergraduate) who are conducting research projects. And I run workshops, consult and do one-on-one tutoring.

All of my teaching materials are online; CC share-and-share alike/non-commercial.

Graduate Courses

COM546

The course focused on the past, present, and future of digital media, in contrast to traditional media outlets studied in most communication programs. We explore what may be truly new and revolutionary about digital media and what may be a continuation of traditional technology, content, and/or audience. We also examine information and telecommunications technologies that play a significant role shaping the modern society. These include the Internet, broadband communications systems, cellular telephony, wireless networking, and digital, cable, and satellite TV.

COM585

This course is the first of two linked courses that focus on digital content planning, creation, management and deployment. Introduces the terminology, history and evolution of web design and the use of hypertext. Provides an overview of effective web page design and efficient site architecture. Introduces project management techniques needed to organize digital assets, allocate resources, and meet deadlines. Covers the identification, creation and evaluation of message design to meet needs of the target customers.

COM586

This course is the second of two linked courses that focus on digital content planning, creation, management and deployment. The focus is on creating original content, although we will examine issues involved in repurposing existing content.

COM548 – Fall 2009

This course explores the impact of the Internet and digital technologies on the economy — from facilitating product variety to pricing, from switching costs to social network impacts on content creation and marketing. The objective of the course is not to produce a trained economist or a computer scientist; instead, the objective is to expose students to current practices in the digital market place and the market impacts of emerging technologies. In addition, students will take an economic approach to media analysis and consumer behaviors.